The attitude and commitment of workers at a factory at risk of closure has been described as "admirable".

Despite their jobs hanging in the balance, and an ongoing consultation process, Pinneys of Annan employees are showing their worth.

Staff were praised by senior politicians who met at the site on Thursday with Young's Seafood chief executive Bill Showalter.

The top-level talks regarding the situation in Annan happened the same day Young's Seafood announced it had itself been put up for sale.

In light of this news Scottish Business Minister Paul Wheelhouse said he will be writing to the company to seek clarification on what impact this will have on Pinneys and other Young’s site across Scotland, while local MSPs are calling for the process at Annan to be halted.

He is calling on the owners of Young’s to consider keeping open the option of the Pinneys site ‎remaining part of the company in the event a prospective buyer wishes to utilise the site.

Mr Wheelhouse also praised the dedication of the workforce who he said are continuing to do an excellent job in difficult circumstances.

Rob Davidson, deputy leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council,

said: “What struck me was the attitude and ongoing commitment from Pinneys’ staff.

"Despite difficult circumstances and natural concern about the future, their dedication is admirable and they are showing themselves to be a strong and valuable asset, which would be a credit to any company.”

Earlier this month Young's secured new contracts with M&S. It announced plans to move natural salmon production from Annan to Grimsby and to exit the deli and meals production because it was "no longer financially sustainable".

As result, it is proposing to close the Pinneys factory before the end of the year leaving 450 jobs hanging in the balance.

It is unclear how the sale of the fish firm will affect the situation in Annan but the consultation process, which began on Monday, is continuing.

The initial shock news prompted senior councillors and Scottish ministers to form an action group with industry representatives and stakeholders.

They aim to explore every option to save Pinneys and to support staff and the wider community.

Councillor Archie Dryburgh, who was also involved in the discussions, added: “Our top priority is to keep the factory open, with a view to maintaining as much local employment as possible.

"This company employs not only individuals, but numerous members of individual families in our area, and to see it close would be devastating to them and our local economy."